Katerina Swanson
Flex-fuel diesel refers to an alternative fuel that consists of gasoline and ethanol, with the latter making up 85% of the blend. Also known as E85, flex-fuel is used in cars with an internal combustion engine capable of running on more than one type of fuel. These flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to use either gasoline, ethanol, or a blend of both, and are available in several countries, including the United States, Australia, and various European nations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Flex fuel refers to an alternative fuel that consists of gasoline and ethanol. |
| Other Names | E85, flex-fuel, flexifuel |
| Flex Fuel Vehicles | Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) have an internal combustion engine capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%. |
| Flex Fuel vs Gasoline | Ethanol produces fewer toxic fumes than gasoline, making flex fuel cars an eco-friendly alternative. Some flex fuel cars deliver greater torque and horsepower than those that run on gasoline. |
| Flex Fuel vs Diesel | Flex fuel cars offer several advantages over automobiles that use traditional diesel. |
| Flex Fuel Cars | Ford, Volvo, and Saab are some of the automakers offering flexifuel autos. |
| Flex Fuel Availability | As of 2022, there were more than 20.9 million FFVs in the United States. |
| Flex Fuel Price | As of April 2007, E85 fuel was priced significantly lower than diesel or gasoline. |
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What You'll Learn
- Flex-fuel vehicles are available in 18 European countries
- Flex-fuel engines can run on gasoline, ethanol, or methanol
- Flex-fuel vehicles are distinguished from bi-fuel vehicles
- Flex-fuel cars offer several advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel cars
- Flex-fuel cars may be eligible for tax credits
Flex-fuel vehicles are available in 18 European countries
A flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) or dual-fuel vehicle (colloquially called a flex-fuel vehicle) is an alternative fuel vehicle with an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with either ethanol or methanol fuel. Both fuels are stored in the same common tank. Modern flex-fuel engines are capable of burning any proportion of the resulting blend in the combustion chamber as fuel injection and spark timing are adjusted automatically according to the actual blend detected by a fuel composition sensor.
Flex-fuel vehicles offer several advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel-powered automobiles. For example, ethanol produces fewer toxic fumes than gasoline, making flex-fuel vehicles an eco-friendly alternative. Additionally, some flex-fuel cars deliver greater torque and horsepower than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Furthermore, flex-fuel vehicles benefit from existing fuel distribution infrastructure, as many filling stations offer ethanol pumps.
Some countries in Europe have established incentives to promote the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles. For instance, France offers tax incentives for biofuel cars, including a reduction on the tax on new vehicles and a lower E85 fuel price. Ireland, the third-largest market for E85 flex-fuel vehicles in Europe, offers a 50% discount on vehicle registration taxes, making it an attractive option for those considering a flex-fuel vehicle.
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Flex-fuel engines can run on gasoline, ethanol, or methanol
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on more than one type of fuel. They can use standard gasoline, or special ethanol- and methanol-based fuels.
Flex-fuel engines have internal combustion engines capable of operating on any blend of gasoline and ethanol, up to 83% ethanol. The most common type of flex fuel is E85, which contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The ethanol percentage in E85 varies, however, depending on the season and geographic region of the distributor. For example, E85 sold during colder months often has lower levels of ethanol to produce the vapour pressure necessary for starting in cold temperatures.
Flex-fuel vehicles have sensors that detect the blend of fuel and make adjustments for optimal performance. This means that flex-fuel engines can burn any proportion of the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This technology is not new, it was first developed in the early 1990s and used in the mass-produced 1994 Ford Taurus.
While flex-fuel vehicles can run on regular gasoline, they are also compatible with ethanol-gasoline blends such as E85. E85 is not available at every filling station, and it is more expensive per gallon than regular gasoline. However, vehicles using E85 travel fewer miles per gallon, so the higher price is often offset by the lower mileage.
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Flex-fuel vehicles are distinguished from bi-fuel vehicles
A flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) or dual-fuel vehicle is an alternative fuel vehicle with an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel. The most common FFVs run on a blend of gasoline and ethanol, though they can also run on methanol. In Brazil, FFVs are also capable of running on hydrous ethanol, while in Europe and the US, successful tests have been carried out on methanol flex-fuel vehicles, known as M85 flex-fuel vehicles.
The most common commercially available FFV in the world market is the ethanol flexible-fuel vehicle, with about 60 million automobiles, motorcycles, and light-duty trucks manufactured and sold worldwide by March 2018. The majority of these were sold in Brazil, followed by the United States, Canada, and Europe. In the US, FFVs are also known as "E85 vehicles", while in Brazil, they are known as "total flex" or simply "flex" cars. In Europe, they are known as "flexifuel" vehicles.
Flex-fuel vehicles offer several advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel-powered automobiles. Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, meaning flex-fuel cars produce fewer toxic fumes and contribute fewer greenhouse gases. Flex-fuel vehicles can also deliver greater torque and horsepower than gasoline-powered vehicles. Additionally, motorists who drive flex-fuel cars may be eligible for tax credits.
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Flex-fuel cars offer several advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel cars
Flex-fuel cars, also known as flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs), are designed to run on multiple types of fuel. They have an internal combustion engine capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%. The most common type of flex fuel is E85, which contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
Another advantage of flex-fuel cars is their flexibility in fuel choice. Flex-fuel vehicles can burn any proportion of the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This means that owners of these vehicles can choose the blend of ethanol and gasoline that best suits their needs, whether it is 100% unleaded gasoline or 85% ethanol. This flexibility is made possible by the advanced technology in modern flex-fuel vehicles, including electronic sensors that gauge the fuel blend and microprocessors that adjust the fuel injection and timing accordingly.
In addition to environmental and flexibility benefits, flex-fuel cars can also offer improved performance. Some flex-fuel vehicles deliver greater torque and horsepower compared to their gasoline-only counterparts. Additionally, flex-fuel cars may be eligible for tax credits, which can significantly reduce the financial burden on owners.
While flex-fuel cars have advantages, it is important to consider potential drawbacks. For example, ethanol has lower energy content, which results in reduced fuel efficiency and a lower number of miles per gallon. Additionally, ethanol absorbs dirt easily, which can make the engine more susceptible to damage. The availability of flex fuel at gas stations is also currently limited, although this may change as consumer demand for flex-fuel vehicles increases.
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Flex-fuel cars may be eligible for tax credits
Flex-fuel vehicles (also known as flexible-fuel vehicles or FFVs) are cars with internal combustion engines that can run on multiple types of fuel. The most common type of flex fuel is E85, which contains up to 85% ethanol and the remainder in gasoline.
Flex-fuel cars offer several advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel cars. Firstly, flex-fuel automobiles produce fewer toxic fumes, making them a more eco-friendly alternative. Ethanol, which constitutes a large part of flex fuel, is made from natural ingredients such as cane sugar and corn. Flex-fuel cars can also deliver greater torque and horsepower than traditional gasoline cars.
Due to these benefits, flex-fuel cars may be eligible for tax credits. For example, in France, biofuel cars get strong tax incentives, including a 0% or 50% reduction on the tax on new vehicles, and a 40% reduction on CO2 tax for new cars. For company cars, there is a corporate tax exemption for two years, and an 80% recovery of VAT on E85 vehicles.
In the United States, there are federal tax credits for pre-owned plug-in electric and fuel cell vehicles. These credits are available for vehicles that are placed in service before January 1, 2024, and can be claimed by filing Form 8936 with your tax return. Starting January 1, 2024, credit eligibility and amount will be determined at the time of sale, and the dealer will complete and submit the report online.
There are also tax incentives for alternative fuels, such as natural gas, propane, and liquefied gas derived from biomass. These tax credits are available to entities that are liable for reporting and paying the federal excise tax on the sale or use of the fuel in a motor vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
Flex fuel, also known as flexible fuel, is an alternative fuel that consists of gasoline and ethanol.
Flex fuel cars have an internal combustion engine capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gas and ethanol up to 83%. Flex fuel cars are eco-friendly alternatives to gas-powered automobiles as ethanol produces fewer toxic fumes than gasoline.
E85 is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season. It is the most common type of flex fuel.
Flex fuel cars offer several advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel cars. Ethanol is made from natural ingredients like cane sugar and corn, making it a sustainable choice. Flex fuel cars can also deliver greater torque and horsepower than gasoline-powered cars.
Ford, Volvo, and Saab are the main automakers offering flexifuel autos in Europe. Saab Australia also offers an E85 flex-fuel car for the Australian market.
